Buy Ontario Procurement Directive for Light-duty Passenger Vehicle Purchases
Under the Buy Ontario Procurement Directive, effective April 13, 2026, Broader Public Sector entities are required to prioritize Made in Ontario Vehicles (Tier 1) for any purchase or lease of new light-duty vehicles (≤ 4,500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), regardless of dollar value, followed by vehicles from Ontario Vehicle Producers (Tier 2). Where it is determined that Tier 1 and Tier 2 vehicles are not available or not operationally feasible, the Policy requires that the rationale for procuring outside these tiers be documented and approved.
This requirement does not apply to:
- Existing contracts executed prior to the effective date of this policy (April 13, 2026).
- Contract extensions included in the original agreement.
- Short term leases up to 12 months.
- Vehicles with a GVWR greater than 4,500 kg.
- Used vehicles.
Tier Definitions and Examples:
Tier 1: Made-in-Ontario Vehicle (MIO) means a vehicle that is manufactured in Ontario and contains the number "2" as the first digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Examples: Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid, Chrysler Pacifica and Charger (all variants), Honda CRV or CRV Hybrid or Civic, Chevrolet Silverado
Tier 2: Ontario Vehicle Producer (OVP) means an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that sells vehicles and would meet the threshold of 1,500 annualized jobs across their Ontario footprint of active and/or planned fully and partially owned vehicle assembly and plants.
Examples: Ford, GM, Honda, Stellantis, Toyota, Volkswagen
You must proceed with the highest available Tier that meets operational requirements (i.e., evaluate Tier 1, then Tier 2 options). If an MIO vehicle (Tier 1) or a vehicle from an OVP (Tier 2) is unavailable, you must document the rationale and seek approval, in accordance with the institution’s Approval Authority Schedule.
Required process:
- Define your requirements and engage Procurement Services early for assistance
- Conduct a market assessment of Tier 1 and Tier 2 options
- Confirm the highest viable tier before proceeding
- Document selection rationale (availability, cost, timing, operational fit)
- Obtain email approval for any exception before committing to the purchase, if applicable
- Execute the procurement using the appropriate method
- Retain documentation for audit and compliance purposes
Key reminders:
- Made-in-Ontario vehicles are a priority
- Applies to any purchase or lease of light-duty vehicles (no dollar threshold)
- Exceptions should be limited and well-supported with documented approval
Please reach out to Procurement Services at purchasing@trentu.ca with any questions or for support on upcoming purchases.